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The Breath & Birth Co Podcast
Are you pregnant and overwhelmed by unsolicited (and non-evidence-based) advice? Join Vanessa, a hospital-based DONA-Intl Certified Birth Doula and a passionate Certified Childbirth Educator, as she kicks off each week with Monday Meditations to bring calm and connection to your pregnancy. Then we build your confidence through insights, birth stories, and care provider perspectives during Thoughtful Thursdays. She loves to merge the power of your intuition with the precision of modern medicine to help you navigate pregnancy and birth YOUR way. Ready to feel supported, informed, and empowered? Hit subscribe to The Breath & Birth Co Podcast today, and let’s embark on this transformational journey together!
The Breath & Birth Co Podcast
The Audacity to Birth Your Way with Birth Doula Megan Neal
In this episode of the Breath and Birth Co. podcast, host Vanessa, an experienced birth doula and childbirth educator, talks with fellow doula Megan Neal of Birth Your Way about their experiences in the birth support field, including inspirations, challenges, and the importance of advocacy. Megan shares her journey into birth work, misconceptions about labor, and the roles of support partners. They discuss the importance of developing confidence, creating a calm birthing environment, and building a supportive village during pregnancy. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of doulas and other professionals, like pelvic health therapists, in supporting a positive birth experience. Vanessa and Megan offer practical advice for birthing individuals and their partners to feel empowered and informed throughout the pregnancy and birthing process.
00:00 Introduction to the Breath and Birth Co. Podcast
00:47 Meet Megan Neal: A Journey into Birth Work
03:30 The Role of Confidence in Childbirth
07:49 Advocacy in the Birthing Process
13:37 Memorable Experiences and Lessons Learned
23:20 Creating a Calm and Empowered Birth Experience
28:02 Building Your Village: Support During Pregnancy and Beyond
30:12 The Importance of Having a Doula
31:13 Building Your Support Village
33:21 Professional Support During Pregnancy
34:43 The Role of Pelvic Floor Specialists
42:24 Chiropractors and Other Professionals
43:55 Preparing Partners for Labor and Delivery
46:52 Recommended Books and Resources
48:16 Changes Needed in Maternity Care
51:38 Staying Passionate in Birth Work
56:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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As a reminder, the content discussed on this show is not medical advice. For more information, please see Disclaimer here.